WWBG: Welcome DuClaw Brewing Company

WWBG

Editor’s Note: This weekly column is sponsored by Georgetown Square Wine and Beer (10400 Old Georgetown Road).

For the past few years, our customers and I never understood why we couldn’t get DuClaw products into the county. DuClaw was everywhere else — the rest of Maryland, D.C., Virginia and in their own brewpubs. After doing some research, I found out it wasn’t a Montgomery County issue, but an issue DuClaw was having with their distribution partner. The case was heard in court and settled early last year.

The wait is finally over.

DuClaw is taking advantage of county rules and is self-distributing its beer into the Montgomery. What that means is, DuClaw doesn’t need a distributor since the county already acts as one.

Other local breweries such as Dogfish Head and Devil’s Back Bone do this as well. The breweries fill up a truck and just drop off product to the county warehouse’s door, then the county delivers the beer like everything else.

What this means for Montgomery County consumers is lower prices, since brewers are taking out a layer of distribution and mark-up. I know…exciting stuff, for me at least. Nonetheless, DuClaw is bringing in some great brews with catchy names and great packaging. The beers will definitely be filling up shelves soon.

Here are the beers that are currently available in Montgomery County. We have them stocked at both our locations — Georgetown Square Wine and Beer in Bethesda and Downtown Crown Wine and Beer in Gaithersburg:

DuClaw Bare Ass BlondeDuClaw Bare Ass Blonde 5% A.B.V

One of DuClaw’s orginial brews back in 1996. This blonde ale is refreshingly smooth with a subtle malty sweet smell and pairs with a wide variety of foods. This is a great beer for summer and for those beer drinkers looking for a nice easy drinking brew for the outdoors.

Hellrazer IPA 7.5% A.B.V

A solid IPA that should satisfy hopheads and those not looking for an overly-hopped beer. Nice fruit flavors with hints of caramel and candy orange. Overall a good IPA that is a nice addition to our selection.

Serum Double IPA 9% A.B.V

This is a great brew for IPA lovers. Solid taste with clean, crisp malt flavors. Not overly sweet and the right amount of hops for this size IPA. Can barely tastes its strength.

Sweet Baby Jesus!Sweet Baby Jesus! Chocolate Peanut Butter Porter 6.5 % A.B.V

By far the most requested DuClaw brew by our customers. It’s a relief we can finally get this for them. Along with it’s awesome name, this chocolate peanut butter porter is lightly sweet with strong notes of chocolate, coffee and peanut butter. A delicious porter you can drink year round.

Also available in growler fills at our Gaithersburg location!

Community discussion guidelines: Our sponsored columns are written by members of the local business community. While we encourage a robust and open discussion, we ask that all reviews of the businesses — good or bad — be directed to another venue, like Yelp. The comments section is intended for a conversation about the topic of the article.

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